Significant association between serum dihydrotestosterone level and prostate volume among Taiwanese men aged 40–79 years

Abstract

Introduction. We evaluated the association between serum sex hormone levels and prostate volume in Taiwanese men.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 505 men (aged 40–79 years, mean age 58 years). Serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2) levels were measured. Total prostate volume (TPV) and transition zone volume (TZV) were measured by transrectal ultrasonography. Body mass index (BMI), DHT/TT and E2/TT were calculated. Correlations were determined using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.Results. Apart from DHT, an age-dependent change of sex hormone levels were observed. On univariate analyses, age, BMI, serum DHT level and DHT/TT ratio, as well as serum E2 level and E2/TT ratio, but not serum TT and FT levels showed a significant association with prostate volume. On multivariate analysis, however, only serum DHT level and DHT/TT ratio remained significant. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of the second, third, and fourth quartiles of serum DHT levels for benign prostatic hyperplasia (defined as TPV ≥20 ml) risk were 2.06 (1.21–3.51), 2.66(1.56–4.53) and 7.15(4.0–12.6), respectively (p < 0.001).Conclusions. Higher serum DHT level and DHT/TT ratio were associated with larger prostate volume and higher prevalence of BPH in Taiwanese men.